Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Di Maria all summer and appear to be in pole position for his signature after Paris Saint-Germain dramatically pulled out of the race.

The Argentinian winger's relationship with the Real Madrid board is strained but, according to reports in Spain, Ronaldo wants Di Maria to stay alongside him in Madrid.

It is similar situation to a year ago when the Portuguese star had to convince his team-mate to stay at the Bernabeu.

El Confidencial note that Ronaldo believes Di Maria is a key player for Los Blancos despite the arrival of James Rodriguez and he wants his pal to figure prominently next season.

Real Madrid top brass are willing to sell Di Maria while his value is high but manager Carlo Ancelotti would like to keep his creativity.

It has been reported that the Red Devils have bid £55m for the 26-year-old but their former star Ronaldo could stand in the way of the deal if he keeps up his charm offensive to Di Maria.

United boss Louis van Gaal appeared to confirm his interest in Di Maria last week by bemoaning the fact he didn't have a player of his quality.

He said: "It is a strategy of Manchester United to do that [spend heavily]. At this moment, we have five No.9s and four No.10s – and we don't have wingers to give us attacking width.

"Or, I should say, we don't have wingers of the highest level, like Ronaldo or Di Maria or somebody like that. So, I have to play in another way – and you have seen that already. I only buy when I think we need to buy – in the position that is necessary."